Jail escape rumours a film plot

THERE'S no doubt one or two prisoners at the Maryborough Correctional Centre have a face only a mother could love.

But prison staff say a rumour circulating Maryborough this week that inmates are planning to use grotesque mannequins from their Applied Art classes to stage a “great escape” is as far fetched as a Hollywood movie.

The Department of Community Safety yesterday released photos of two mannequins that prisoners had supposedly been allowed to take back to their residential units, sparking concerns they might use them to fool correctional staff and try to break out.

“They were partial papier mache busts attached to paint boards,” DCS spokesman Ross McSwain said. “One was of Jesus on the crucifix and the other of the Predator.

“They were part of the Applied Art for the Prison Fellowship Australia Annual Art Exhibition for April 2011.”

Mr McSwain denied the artworks were ever allowed in a residential unit.

“They were moved from one art room to another art room for painting,” he said.

“I will leave it to you to judge (by looking at the photographs) if these are, in fact, life-like mannequins.”

Meanwhile, investigations are continuing into an incident at the prison last week in which two prisoners climbed on to a residential roof.

“The two offenders who climbed on to the roof are currently in the detention unit at Maryborough Correctional Centre,” Mr McSwain said.

“Their placement is currently under consideration.”

A third prisoner involved in the incident has been transferred to Woodford Correctional Centre.

All three prisoners were affected by “prison brew” – a mix of “common food products” that can be brewed up within the facility.